Greetings all. Cross-posting this from another forum so apologies to those who have already read it... The Kurtis Tommy Lee Special is getting a brake upgrade. We're going from the existing 12" X 1 1/2" non-energized brakes to the modern Lincoln 12" x 2" setup as provided by Riley Automotive. Riley was to provide everything we required for the upgrade...loaded backing plates, hub, drums and the necessary bearings and seals. To our chagrin, we see we are missing the seals and retainer clips for the rear hubs. I'm not trying to throw Riley under the bus here- they've been more than helpful. However, we are anxious to get these installed as the Tommy Lee is participating in the Colorado Grande again this year and we want to get it on the road to get it fully sorted. We don't necessarily have the time to wait for Riley to ship the missing parts. The question is...does anyone know what the part numbers are for the seal and retainer ring for the rear hubs Riley provides? I've sent an email but, understandably, they are closed for the weekend. When we were discussing the parts required for the upgrade, Eric mentioned we needed the "bigger" bearings for the hubs they provided. To quote him... "You just can't reuse the bearings you have. The new hubs use the later larger versions." This car has a 1936 Ford read end in it. Another question...there doesn't seem to be anything separating the seal and the bearing on the original hubs/drums, other than a steel "shim" that seems to be integral with the seal. Is this how it is supposed to be? The car has run for years this way so we are presuming this is how it's supposed to be but some confirmation would be good. Thanks!
Before you put the new rear hubs on the car check the bearing surfaces on the axle housing (bell/trumpet) for galling. The bottom surface carries the weight and, unless you specifically look for it, you will most likely miss it. Repair sleeves are available. Machining is required.
We know how things are held together. The question is what goes between the bearing and seal, if anything? It seems strange that there is nothing... Being considered. The car isn't going to be abused but could see some aggressive driving on the Grande.
I just did this, the seal is a special one with a backing ring on it, the old ones I pulled out had signs of the bearing rubbing on it, I thought it was odd too..but thats how it works.it just kisses it now and again in operation, from the wear marks i noted. the seals with the backing piece for the 1936 hubs are National 416738.
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